Appalachia, although some consider it part of the South and
other part of the Middle Atlantic.

ADMISSION DATE

June 20, 1863 (35th State)

LOCATION

In the eastern United States, bordering
Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

NAME ORIGIN

Formed from the 40 western counties of Virginia that remained loyal to the
Union when the rest of the state seceded at the beginning of the Civil War. A separate state
was established from these and briefly called Kanawha; officially admitted to the
Union as West Virginia in 1863.

STATE ANIMAL

Black Bear (Ursus (Euarctos) americanus)

STATE BIRD

Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

STATE FISH

Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

STATE FLOWER

Big Laurel (Rhododendron maximum)

STATE FOSSIL

STATE INSECT

STATE MINERAL

STATE SONG

"The West Virginia Hills;" "West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home;"
"This is my West Virginia"